Grand-Am and DTM tie-up?

Grand Am had a team owners meeting and cocktail reception on the 8th floor of the new ISC/NASCAR digs on International Speedway Boulevard last Thursday afternoon and evening. It’s probably where A.C. saw FIA chief Jean Todt accompanied by fiancé Bond Girl Michelle Yeow. Todt is heading an FIA delegation, including American Nick Craw, on a “good will" tour – shoring up support amongst racing series and motoring club after AAA’s recent resignation.

With Bernie’s payments for F1 rights about to end with 89 years of exclusivity left the Frogs are facing a big ($35 million) hole in the budget. If others follow AAA out the door, things will be dire indeed.

As if to illustrate how dire, Grand Am told the assembled dignitaries they are in negotiations with DTM for a tie-up that will bring DTM to the USA. Some think a NASCAR-DTM alliance could get along quite well without the FIA.

Will the tube-frame silhouettes replace the ungainly DP’s at the top Grand Am, just be added to the field, or run in joint weekends? We are getting to the end of the DP’s “10 year guarantee," aren’t we? Murphy The Bear